I am regularly asked what saddle I recommend. I have tried on quite a few, and for 12 years before I ever heard of “Saddle Hunting”, I was building my own DIY models. I learned that it requires many hours and multiple sits in a saddle to really know how it fits and feels. For that reason, I won’t recommend a saddle I have not worn extensively. I have no reservations about recommending the Pioneer Saddle from Ape Canyon Outfitters (part of RockNArbor). Click to see Ape Canyon’s page on: Saddles
JRB’s 5 Priorities for a Saddle:
- Rugged. Strong and well built, with sturdy components and connectors. It’s got C&C stitching. See video below on the testing, which verifies its incredible strength.
- Reputable. Remember Rule #2 in the JRB 10 Rules for Climb Safety: Buy in; Buy from reputable suppliers. It doesn’t get better than Ape Canyon / RockNArbor. And it’s made in the USA.
- Minimal. It so small! I wear my saddle on my walk in and I want something no frills and with minimal bulk and lightweight. It’s collapsible into a belt (if ya unbuckle the leg straps).
- Comfortable. Plain and simple, it’s comfortable!
- Inexpensive. Plus 10% off with the JRB10 coupon code.
Other Features:
- Connectors: Strong, small, light. Can’t accidentally open, and can be locked to prevent opening.
- Loops: Besides bridge loops and lineman’s loops, it has a 3rd set of load-capable loops that are UNDER the lineman’s loops. There are also Molle loops all around the belt plus auxiliary loops on the back, which can be customized for your needs.
- Correctly Sized. I am 34 waist and got the medium, and it’s a perfect size. When I put all the slack in, the belt is just long enough to comfortably step into with my boots on, then cinch onto my hips, without a belt flopping all over. No unnecessary slack in the leg loops either.
- Colors and Camo. Unlike some of the Saddles I have seen, the Pioneer is quite incognito. I love the Kryptek patterns! I never heard of the brand at the time, but saw a Kryptek hat at a roadside store in Pennsyslvania a long time ago and been wearing Kryptek stuff ever since. Great patterns.
- Accessories. I love the Saddle Bags which are installed by just squeezing the ends into the molle loops. There’s also a back band. Especially on long sits, getting some support for your back also absorbs a bit of your weight and can really make a difference in your comfort profile.
The only modifications I made to it were: 1) Installed my own “double adjustable bridge”, replacing the standard single adjustable bridge 2) Locked / silenced the clasps on the leg loops and the waist belt using a small cable tie on each one. They can still be adjusted, but can’t be opened and therefore can’t jingle. Note: I prefer NOT to open/close any clasps when I get into or out of a saddle. It’s just faster, less error prone and works with thick gloves. I am also considering some usages for the Auxiliary loops.
Product links, and use your JRB10 Coupon Code for 10% off!
Here is the link to the page with all the saddles and kits:
Back band:
Besides this bag, there are others on the website. See: Packs & Bags
Introduction/unboxing: This video captures the first time I saw the actual product, as it comes out of the box. There are some features here that YOU might like that I don’t use myself, such as the ability to collapse it into a belt.
Break testing … This is really impressive…
Safety Note: No matter what saddle you buy, leg straps are not optional. They hold us in place in the event of a mishap. Also, I do not recommend saddle hunting using a Rock Climbing Harness or Fall arrest harness or anything marketed as a “saddle” that is just a couple of straps running under your thighs. Why? Because in the event of a mishap and loss of footing, we don’t have much time to self rescue. Suspension Trauma can leave us unconscious from lack of blood circulation in less than 30 minutes. We all should be ready for an unexpected mishap and have a plan for recovery. If it can happen, it probably will.